Watch the video — Amanda Berry, Michelle Knight and Gina DeJesus speak out for the first time! They filmed an emotional three-minute video to relay their thanks to all of the people who have offered support to them since their unexpected and dramatic rescue from captivity on May 6.

The video was posted on YouTube by Hennes Paynter Communications, the public relations firm that the three young women and their families hired after they were freed from captivity.

“I may have been through hell and back,” Michelle, 32, said in the three-minute video, “but I am strong enough to walk through hell with a smile on my face, and with my head held high, and my feet firmly on the ground.”

She continued:

“Walking hand in hand with my best friend, I will not let the situation define who I am. I will define the situation. I don’t want to be consumed by hatred. With that being said, we need to take a leap of faith and know that God is in control. We have been hurt by people, but we need to rely on God as being the judge. God has a plan for all of us. The plan that He gave me was to help others that have been in the same situations I have been in. To know that there’s someone out there to lean on, and to talk to. I am in control of my own destiny with the guidance of God. I have no problem expressing how I feel inside. Be positive. Learn that it’s [more] important to give than to receive. Thank you for all your prayers. I’m looking forward to my brand-new life.”

Amanda, now 27, said: “I want everyone to know how happy I am to be home with my family and my friends. It’s been unbelievable.”

Gina, 23, who appeared in the video with her parents, thanked those who donated more than $1 million to the women via the Cleveland Courage Fund by saying, “Thank you for the support.”

The Girls Desire Privacy

Despite filming this video and breaking their silence, the girls still have a strong desire for privacy.

“They do not want to talk about their ordeal with the media or anyone else. This cannot be stated strongly enough. We thank everyone for the privacy and courtesy shown to Amanda, Gina and Michelle over the last few months and ask that this continue,” said James Wooley, an attorney for Amanda and Gina.

Cleveland Kidnapping Survivors Rescued From Captivity

Michelle, Gina and Amanda, along with Amanda’s 6-year-old daughter, Jocylen, were rescued on May 6 after they were locked up in the basement of Ariel Castro’s Cleveland, Ohio home. Neighbors heard Amanda’s cry for help and broke down a door while Ariel was away.

Ariel has since pleaded not guilty to kidnapping and murder charges stemming from at least five aborted pregnancies.